Tylor Chase, a former Nickelodeon star, is homeless, and Shaun Weiss, an actor for Mighty Ducks, offers assistance.

A brief viral video sparked a wave of concern that went far beyond the typical internet scroll on a cold December day in Southern California. The familiar face of Tylor Chase, once known to millions as the quick-talking Martin Qwerly on Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide, appeared dishevelled and alone on a street in Riverside, California, his smile distant, his eyes weary. The clip — raw, unfiltered, and shocking in its simplicity — spread quickly across social platforms, igniting an emotional response from fans, former colleagues, and strangers alike.

Chase, now 36, had been quiet for a long time. He appeared in a few smaller projects after the Nickelodeon series ended in 2007, including a role in the independent film Good Time Max in 2007 and voice work for a video game in 2011, but he mostly stopped acting. What unfolded in that viral video was a jarring reminder of how life can shift, sometimes in ways that are hard to predict or understand.

The reaction wasn’t limited to sympathy; it was deeply personal for some. After watching the disturbing footage, Shaun Weiss, who is best known for his role as Goldberg in The Mighty Ducks films, experienced a familiar sensation inside himself. Weiss, 47, has battled his own demons — including addiction and periods of homelessness — before finding recovery and sobriety. Drawing on his lived experience, he didn’t just express concern; he acted.

Weiss made a sincere appeal for actual assistance, not judgment or speculation, on Instagram. In the video, Weiss said in a steady but sincere voice, "I have received many messages about [Tylor Chase]." “I reached out to some friends of mine, and we have a bed for him at a detox, and we have a place for him to go and get long-term treatment.” But behind his words was a sense of urgency: first, they had to find Chase and make sure he agreed to help. Weiss stated, asking viewers to contact him if they had direct contact with Chase, "All we need to do now is find him." The moment's poignant symmetry was that one former child actor, who had been through his own darkest moments, was now providing a lifeline to another.

Weiss’s story of survival and recovery resonated deeply with many, especially given how public his struggles had been in years past. His decision to step forward was less about celebrity and more about kinship: understanding firsthand the pain of addiction, instability, and life outside the spotlight.

The outpouring of support didn’t stop there. Devon Werkheiser, Daniel Curtis Lee, and Lindsey Shaw, Chase's Ned's Declassified co-stars, had already begun discussing the situation on their podcast earlier in 2025, admitting that it was heartbreaking to watch Chase "going through some stuff." Werkheiser, reflecting on the situation, emphasized that recovery is a long, challenging journey, especially when someone resists help, and expressed hope that increased awareness might eventually lead to meaningful support. Lee, meanwhile, discussed the possibility of setting up a trust fund contingent on Chase’s willingness to enter rehab.

The initial response to the viral video also inspired a GoFundMe campaign, which raised over $1,200 before being closed at the request of Chase’s mother. She made clear that her son needed medical and mental health support, not just financial handouts, and that he had struggled to manage money or even keep track of phones due to his condition. These comments underscored a crucial point: generosity must be directed thoughtfully, particularly when mental illness and addiction are involved.

Many fans dealt with mixed feelings as the story spread: sadness at seeing someone they once admired in such a visible state of distress, anger at the systemic flaws that allow so many people to slip through the cracks, and hope that this moment might be a turning point. Even though the footage was heartbreaking to watch, social media users commented that Weiss's involvement provided a rare glimpse of genuine compassion in a world where people are quick to snap photos but slow to act.

But the situation remains delicate and unresolved. Chase, at times, has reportedly rejected assistance from authorities and shelters, complicating efforts to help him directly. Friends, family members, and fans all want more than just a viral spotlight; they want lasting care — a structured environment, treatment for underlying issues, and the chance to rebuild.

One thing is now abundantly clear in a narrative that began in a state of vulnerability and uncertainty: there are people who are deeply concerned about Tylor Chase's well-being and are willing to put in the hard work of providing genuine support. Whether that leads to a new chapter for Chase remains to be seen, but the compassion shown — especially from someone who has walked a similar path — speaks to the power of empathy and the importance of community, even in the toughest moments.